Oregano essential oil is a powerhouse. Warm, spicy and pungently herbal, it is far more intense than the dried herb in your kitchen – a scent that demands respect and a very light hand.

What oregano smells like

Sharp, warm and spicy-herbal, with a pungent, almost peppery intensity. It is robust and savoury rather than soft – one of the most powerful aromas in the whole range.

How to handle it (safety first)

Oregano is one of the strongest and most irritating essential oils, so it is the one to treat most carefully. Use only a single drop in a blend, dilute it heavily for any skin use (well below the usual 2%), and keep it away from young children, pets and anyone who is pregnant. Always patch test and keep it well away from the eyes.

Simple ways to use it

• Diffuse a single drop in a larger citrus or pine blend for a warm, herbal note.
• Use it sparingly in a homemade surface spray for a clean, herbal scent.

What oregano pairs with

• With lemon to brighten and lighten its intensity.
• With pine for a clean, herbal-forest scent.

Oregano is a small-doses oil – a little adds a lot. Explore the rest of the range in the shop, or read our guide to using oils at home.